Hatters rated v Cheltenham

James Heneghan

Mark Tyler: 8 - Had little to do before the break but made three excellent saves in the second half to keep Luton’s nose in front.

Steve McNulty: 7.5 - Assured and confident throughout. Made one goal-saving block in the first half. Adapted well to the 3-5-2 system and covered well for others’ mistakes.

Luke Wilkinson: 7 - Like his centre-back partner, coped well in the new system. Made one absolutely vital intervention when Tyler was beaten.

Alex Lacey: 6.5 - Was largely solid in a back three, but made way again early on when Town shuffled formations.

Curtley Williams: 7 - Impressed on his debut, especially first half. Looked a threat when going forward at right wing-back, although got caught out of position on a couple of occasions.

Scott Griffiths: 7.5 - Produced a fabulous cross for the decisive goal and, barring one error, was as solid as ever defensively.

Jonathan Smith: 8 - Started well, very busy and always after the ball. He injected some urgency and tempo into Luton’s play but unsurprisingly tired as the game progressed given it was his first start since returning from a leg break.

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu: 9 - Outstanding performance. Never stopped running. Unsettled the visitors with his pace, power and strength, drawing several fouls and yellow cards from struggling defenders.

Luke Guttridge: 7 - Looked lively, hustled well and won the ball back several times. Unlucky not to score with a 20-yard effort that went inches wide.

Mark Cullen: 7.5 - Scored the only goal with a fantastic glancing header. Missed one golden chance when put through.

Ross Lafayette: 7 - Sharp on his first Luton start. Exquisite first touch set up Griffiths to cross for the goal. Some neat lay-offs and link up play.

Jim Stevenson (SUB): 7 - On after 55 minutes, came on at a time when Luton were under the cosh. Helped stem the tide somewhat and had a goal controversially disallowed for offside.